Optical Laser Target

ABSTRACT

Various products that are used to align objects and features in an area are shown. In one example, a laser target provides optical communication between a target area of the laser target and a non-target area that is offset from the target area. Some light emitted towards the target area will be redirected to emit from the non-target area, and some light emitted towards the non-target area will be redirected to emit from the target area. In another example, a laser target includes reflective portions and non-reflective portions that facilitate aiming a laser target towards a center of the laser target.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2020/027458, filed Apr. 9, 2020, which claims thebenefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/850,335,filed May 20, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/832,127,filed Apr. 10, 2019, each of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tools. Thepresent disclosure relates specifically to a laser target to be used incombination with a sighting laser.

Sighting lasers and laser targets are commonly used to measure distancesand the placement of items. Sighting lasers emit focused light and theemitted light is aligned with a feature on the laser target. Thesighting laser and/or the laser target are adjusted to reduce thedisplacement between the emitted light and the laser target.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the disclosure described herein relates to a laser targetthat includes a body that comprises a target zone and an indicator zone.The laser target includes a mechanism to indicate that light has beenprojected to at least two locations within the target zone, such as atleast two optical fibers having one end coupled within the target zone.The indicator zone comprises at least one signaling mechanism that emitsa signal in response to light being detected within the target zone,such as the other ends of the at least two optical fibers to emit lightthat has been received by the ends within the target zone. In specificembodiments, the target zone comprises at least one aperture, the targetzone includes a vertical slit with a means to detect light, and thetarget zone and the indication zone are distinct from each other.

In another embodiment, the laser target includes a body that defines aplurality of pairs of apertures, such as at least two pairs ofapertures. For the first, second and third pairs of apertures, at leastone aperture of each pair is aligned with a target line, and the otheraperture of the each pair is offset from the target line. The alignedaperture and the offset aperture of each pair are optically connected(e.g., with a fiber optic cable) so that light received by one of theapertures is routed to and emitted by the other aperture. In general,the aligned apertures of each of the pairs define a target line, and theoffset apertures define a pattern. When light from a light source (e.g.,a laser line level) is positioned such that its emitted light coincideswith the target line, the light is transmitted from each of the alignedapertures and out of each of the offset apertures via the opticalconnection. The emitted light from the offset apertures provides anindication that the light source is aligned with the target line.

In specific embodiments, the offset aperture of a first pair is offsetfrom the target line further than the offset aperture of a second pair,and the offset aperture of the second pair is offset from the targetline further than the offset aperture of a third pair. The alignedaperture of the second pair is between the aligned aperture of the firstpair and the aligned aperture of the third pair. In one or moreembodiments the target line is vertical (e.g., plumb with respect tolevel ground) or mostly vertical, such as within 5 degrees.

In one embodiment, the laser target includes twelve pairs of apertures,with one hole in each pair of apertures aligned with the target line andthe other offset from the target line. The unaligned apertures define anX-shape in the front surface of the laser target body.

In another embodiment, a laser target includes a body with afront-surface that defines a plurality of apertures. The plurality ofapertures include a first subset of apertures that are collinear with atarget line and a second subset of apertures that are offset from thetarget line. The first subset of apertures are optically connected withat least one of the apertures in the second subset so that lightreceived by one of the first subset of apertures is routed to andemitted by at least one of the second subset of apertures. The secondsubset of apertures are optically connected with at least one of theapertures in the first subset so that light received by one of thesecond subset of apertures is routed and emitted by at least one of thefirst subset of apertures. In at least one embodiment the second subsetof apertures are aligned with one of two lines defining an X-shape inthe front surface.

In another embodiment, a laser target comprises reflective portions andnon-reflective portions. The reflective portions are arranged on thelaser target such that as an emitted laser approaches a target line onthe laser target, light reflections from the laser target are reflectedto a user so as to indicate the proximity of the emitted laser to thetarget line.

In a specific embodiment the reflective portions comprise one or moreangled portions that generally extend from the periphery of the lasertarget towards a center of the laser target. For example, the reflectiveportions comprise one or more angled lines, each line in a quadrant ofthe laser target. The reflective portions comprise a reflective materialsuch as is used on reflective safety vests.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the description or recognized bypracticing the embodiments as described in the written descriptionincluded, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understandingand are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Thedrawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles and operation of the variousembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a laser target, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a laser target, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a laser target, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a second position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a third position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a fourth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a fifth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a sixth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a seventh position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at an eighth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a first position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a laser target, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a ninth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a tenth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at an eleventh position, according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a laser target with an emitted laserprojecting at a twelfth position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a lasertarget and elements thereof are shown. Various embodiments of the lasertarget discussed herein include an innovative visual response mechanismto indicate the locations of an emitted laser.

As will generally be understood, a laser target is used to align objectsor features in an area (e.g., such as holes along a wall, pipe, conduit,etc.). When the laser is directed to a conventional laser target that issufficiently far away, the user may be unable to directly see where thelaser is projecting light on the conventional laser target. The user canaddress this by moving towards the laser target until the target is seenmore clearly, but this can be time consuming and inefficient,particularly for long range sighting applications.

In various embodiments discussed herein, the laser target describedherein is configured to provide improved visibility when the light froma laser level coincides with the target portion of the laser target(e.g., a vertical laser target line). In specific embodiments, thetarget includes several apertures that are aligned with a target line,such as a vertical target line of apertures in the center of thetarget's front surface. The target also includes several apertures thatare offset from the target line. Each of the apertures aligned with thetarget line is in optical communication with at least one apertureoffset from the target line, and vice versa. When a laser emits a lightat the target and the emitted laser is aligned with the target line, theapertures offset from the target line emit light. As a result, theemitted light from the offset apertures provide an indication that thelaser is aligned with the target line, and thus, the user can easily seean indication that the emitted laser is aimed at the target line. When alaser emits light at the target and the projected vertical line isoffset from the target line but aligned with one of the offsetapertures, the light is routed to and out of apertures along the targetline. As a result, the user can more easily see an indication that theemitted laser vertical line is offset from the target line than if thelaser target had a standard surface that does not enhance the visibilityof the incident laser light.

Referring to FIG. 1, a laser target, shown as target 10, includes ahousing, shown as body 12. Body 12 includes a first shell 14 and asecond shell 18 that define the periphery of body 12, including frontsurface 16.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, front surface 16 of body 12 defines a pluralityof through-holes, shown as apertures 20, that interact with an emittedlaser to help a user align the laser and the target 10, such as byproviding enhanced visibility to the user for one or more indications ofwhere the emitted laser is aimed. Apertures 20 include a first subset ofapertures, shown as target apertures 34, and a second subset ofapertures that are distinct from the first subset of apertures, shown asoffset apertures 36. Target apertures 34 are aligned with target line24, shown in FIG. 2 as a vertical line proximate the center of apertures20. However, in other embodiments, target line 24 may be arranged inother orientations (e.g., horizontal, 45 degree angle, 60 degree angle,etc.) as may be used in various construction applications. Offsetapertures 36 are offset from target line 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, apertures 20 include several pairs 22 of aperturesthat are in optical communication with each other, such as by anoptical-signal carrying medium, shown as optical fiber 26. A given pairincludes one aligned aperture 34 and one offset aperture 36. For pairedapertures 20, as will be described below, as a result of light beingreceived by one of the pair 22 of apertures 20, the light will be routedto and emitted by the other aperture 20 of the pair 22. For example,light received by an aperture 20 of the first subset of apertures 20(e.g., a target aperture 34 of a pair 22 of apertures 20), is emitted byan aperture 20 of the second subset of apertures 20 (e.g., an offsetaperture 36 of the respective pair 22). In a specific embodiment opticalfiber 26 routes light between apertures 20 within a pair 22 of apertures20 such that light received on a first aperture 20 of the pair 22 isrouted to and emitted by the second aperture 20 of the pair 22.

As shown in FIG. 4, offset apertures 36 are offset from target line 24one of distances 28, 30 and 32. It is to be understood that the offsetapertures 36 on the right side of FIG. 4 are similarly offset fromtarget line 24 one of distances 28, 30 and 32.

Turning to FIG. 5, grouped another way apertures 20 include first subsetof apertures 20 aligned with target line 24, shown as target zone 38,and second subset of apertures 20, shown as indicator zone 40. In aspecific embodiment indicator zone 40 is distinct from target zone 38,and indicator zone 40 includes a first indicator zone 39 on a first side25 of target line 24, and a second indicator zone 41 on a second side 27of target line 24 opposite first side 25. Target zone 38 and indicatorzone 40 are defined by body 12. Indicator zone 40 includes apertures 20on both sides of target line 24 that are offset from target line 24.

FIGS. 5-12 depict a series of images showing an emitted laser, shown asemitted laser 70, being aimed closer and closer to target line 24 untilemitted laser 70 is aligned or nearly aligned with target line 24.Starting at FIG. 5, emitted laser 70 is not aligned with any ofapertures 20. To correct this, a user adjusts emitted laser 70 to aimfurther to the right. For purposes of this description it will be statedthat the aim of emitted laser 70 is adjusted by a user, although it isto be understood that target 10 instead may be moved, or both thesighting laser and target 10 may be adjusted for any given adjustment.

Turning to FIG. 6, emitted laser 70 is aligned with light-receivingapertures 44. Light-receiving apertures 44 are in optical communicationwith light-emitting apertures 46, such as by optical fiber 26 behindfront surface 16. Light received by light-receiving apertures 44 isredirected to light-emitting apertures 46. Because of the distancelight-emitting apertures 46 are from vertical center 48 of apertures 20,the user understands that emitted laser 70 is correspondingly furtheraway from target line 24. To put this another way, the closer emittedlaser 70 is to target line 24, the closer light-emitting apertures 46are to vertical center 48.

Turning to FIG. 7, emitted laser 70 is moved to the right and is nolonger aligned with any apertures 20. Turning to FIG. 8, emitted laser70 is adjusted and aligned with light-receiving apertures 44 that are inoptical communication with light-emitting apertures 46. The fact thatlight-emitting apertures 46 are closer to a horizontal line on frontsurface 15, shown as vertical center 48, than light-emitting apertures46 in FIG. 6 indicates that emitted laser 70 is relatively closer totarget line 24 than in FIG. 6.

Turning to FIG. 9, emitted laser 70 is moved to the right and is nolonger aligned with any apertures 20. Turning to FIG. 10, emitted laser70 is adjusted and aligned with light-receiving apertures 44 that are inoptical communication with light-emitting apertures 46. The fact thatlight-emitting apertures 46 are closer to vertical center 48 thanlight-emitting apertures 46 in either FIG. 6 or 8 indicates that emittedlaser 70 is relatively closer to target line 24 than in either FIG. 6 or8.

Turning to FIG. 11, emitted laser 70 is moved to the right and is nolonger aligned with any apertures 20. Turning to FIG. 12, emitted laser70 is adjusted and aligned with light-receiving apertures 44 that are inoptical communication with light-emitting apertures 46. Because emittedlaser 70 is aligned with apertures 20 that are aligned with target line24, alignment indicator 42, shown as an X shape, is illuminatedproviding a clear indication that emitted laser 70 is aligned withtarget line 24. As a result of a vertical line of light being emitted attarget line 24, light received by the target aperture 34 of a pair 22 ofapertures 20 is redirected and emitted by the corresponding offsetaperture 36 of the respective pair 22 of apertures 20.

In another embodiment, FIG. 13, optic fibers 26 optically connect offsetapertures 36 with aligned apertures 34 so that light emitted from thealigned apertures 34 is symmetric with respect to vertical center 48.For example, in the embodiment in FIG. 13, as emitted laser 70 is movedto the right, the first two offset apertures 36 laser 70 aligns with arein optical communication with the aligned apertures 34 that are bothsecond furthest from vertical center 48. As emitted laser 70 continuesmoving towards aligned apertures 34, emitted laser 70 next aligns withthe second pair of offset apertures 36, which are in opticalcommunication with aligned apertures 34 that are the same distance fromvertical center 48. Similarly, on the right side of target 10 offsetapertures 36 that are vertically aligned with each other are in opticalcommunication with aligned apertures 34 that are symmetric with respectto vertical center 48.

The positioning of pairs 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, and66 will now be described for a specific embodiment. Pairs 51, 52, 53,54, 55, and 56 are on first side 25 of target line 24, and pairs 61, 62,63, 64, 65, and 66 are on second side 27 of target line opposite firstside 25.

A first pair 51 of apertures 20 includes a target aperture 34 and anoffset aperture 36, with the offset aperture 36 being horizontaldistance 28 from target line 24, a second pair 52 of apertures 20includes a target aperture 34 and an offset aperture 36, with the offsetaperture 36 being horizontal distance 30 from target line, and a thirdpair 53 of apertures 20 includes a target aperture 34 and an offsetaperture 36, with the offset aperture 36 being horizontal distance 32from target line. Pair 61 of apertures 20 includes a target aperture 34and an offset aperture 36, with the offset aperture 36 being distance 28from target line 24, and pair 61 of apertures 20 includes a targetaperture 34 and an offset aperture 36, with the offset aperture 36 beingdistance 30 from target line, and pair 63 of apertures 20 includes atarget aperture 34 and an offset aperture 36, with the offset aperture36 being distance 32 from target line. In a specific embodiment offsetaperture 36 of pair 51 is vertically above offset aperture 36 of pair56, offset aperture 36 of pair 52 is vertically above offset aperture 36of pair 55, and offset aperture 36 of pair 53 is vertically above offsetaperture 36 of pair 54.

In a specific embodiment, pair 54 of apertures 20, pair 55 of apertures20, and pair 56 of apertures 20 are symmetrical to pair 53, pair 52, andpair 51, respectively, with respect to vertical center 48. In a specificembodiment pair 61, pair 62, and pair 63 are symmetrical to pair 51,pair 52, and pair 53, respectively, with respect to target line 24. In aspecific embodiment pair 61, pair 62, and pair 63 are symmetrical topair 64, pair 65, and pair 66, respectively, with respect to verticalcenter 48.

The example(s) herein describe emitted laser 70 being adjusted fromleft-to-right towards target line 24. However, it is considered hereinthat emitted laser 70 could be adjusted from right-to-left towardstarget line 24 with similar effect.

Alignment indicator 42 is shown as an X-shape including two angled linesintersecting at target line 24. However, it is considered herein thatalignment indicator 42 could include any arrangement of apertures 20 andstill practice the disclosure described herein.

In one or more embodiments, an aperture 20 within target zone 38includes a light detector that emits a signal. In response to thesignal, an aperture within indicator zone 40 emits a signal, such aslight and/or sound.

In one or more embodiments an aperture 20 within target zone 38 isoptically connected via optical fibers 26 to at least two apertures 20within indicator zone 40 such that light received by a given targetaperture 34 is routed by a first optical fiber 26 to a first indicatoraperture 36 and the light is also routed by a second optical fiber 26 toa second indicator aperture 36. For example, an aperture 20 may be aslit (e.g., a vertical slit) aligned with target line 24, the verticalslit including a plurality of optical fiber 26 that transmit light tothe at least two apertures 20 within indicator zone 40.

Referring to FIG. 14, a laser target, shown as target 10, defines frontsurface 16. Front surface 16 includes high-reflective portions 80, shownas reflective tape, and low-reflective portions 82, shown asnon-reflective background. In a specific embodiment the high-reflectiveportions 80 have a reflectivity that is at least 50% more reflectivethan low-reflective portions 82.

High-reflective portions 80 include target portion 86, which is alignedwith target line 24 (e.g., a vertical target line 24), and firstindicator portion 88 and second indicator portion 90. First indicatorportion 88 is on a first side 25 of target line 24, and second indicatorportion 90 is on a second side 27 of target line 24. First indicatorportion 88 and second indicator portion 90 each include one or moresegments 92 that extend diagonally away from target portion 86. In aspecific embodiment the one or more segments 92 extend away from targetline 24 at an angle 94 between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and morespecifically between 20 degrees and 70 degrees, and even morespecifically between 35 degrees and 55 degrees.

In a specific embodiment each segment 92 of the plurality of segments 92is symmetrical to a corresponding segment 92 of the plurality ofsegments 92 with respect to the vertical target line 24. In a specificembodiment the left-indicator portion 88 includes two segments 92 thatextend away from the target line 24 at an angle 94 between 10 degreesand 80 degrees, and the right-indicator portion 90 includes two segments92 that extend away from the target line at an angle 94 between 10degrees and 80 degrees.

FIGS. 15-18 depict a series of images showing an emitted laser, shown asemitted laser 70, being aimed closer and closer to target line 24 untilemitted laser 70 is aligned or nearly aligned with target line 24.Starting at FIG. 15, emitted laser 70 is not aligned with any ofhigh-reflective portions 80. To correct this, a user adjusts emittedlaser 70 to aim further to the right. For purposes of this descriptionit will be stated that the aim of emitted laser 70 is adjusted by auser, although it is to be understood that target 10 instead may bemoved, or both the sighting laser and target 10 may be adjusted for anygiven adjustment.

Turning to FIG. 16, emitted laser 70 is aligned with high-reflectiveportion 80 so that light reflections 84 are reflected fromhigh-reflective portion 80. Because of the horizontal distance thatlight reflections 84 are from target line 24, and because of thevertical distance that light reflections 84 are from vertical center 48of surface 16, the user understands that emitted laser 70 is acorresponding distance away from target line 24.

Turning to FIG. 17, emitted laser 70 is moved to the right and lightreflections 84 are now closer to both target line 24 and vertical center48. The fact that light reflections 84 are closer to vertical center 48than light reflections 84 in FIG. 16 indicates that emitted laser 70 inFIG. 17 is closer to target line 24 than emitted laser 70 in FIG. 16.

Turning to FIG. 18, emitted laser 70 is adjusted and aligned with targetline 24. As a result, a plurality of light reflections 84 are reflectedfrom surface 16. Although FIG. 18 indicates that there are a discreteplurality of light reflections 84, it is contemplated herein that lightreflections 84 may define a continuous light reflection that extendsalong reflective portion 80 aligned with target line 24.

In one embodiment reflective portions 80 have a width between ⅛″(one-eighth of an inch) and ½″ (one-half of an inch), and morespecifically have a width of ¼″ (one-quarter of an inch). It iscontemplated herein that reflective portions 80 may have non-uniformwidths such that a first part of reflective portion 80 has a first widthand a second part of reflective portions 80 has a second width.

Reflective portions 80 are shown as three distinct portions defining agreater than sign (“>”), an vertical line (“1”) and a less than sign(“<”). However, it is contemplated herein that reflective portions couldinclude any disposition on surface 16 and still practice the disclosuredescribed herein.

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for description purposes only andshould not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed asillustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Someelements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logicalalgorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according toalternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, thearticle “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, andis not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of anyof the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed inthis or future applications. Any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilizedalone or in combination with any of the features, elements or componentsof any of the other embodiments discussed above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A laser target comprising: a housing; a plurality of apertures defined by the housing, the plurality of apertures comprising: a first subset of apertures; a second subset of apertures distinct from the first subset of apertures, as a result of light being received by an aperture of the first subset of apertures, light is emitted by an aperture of the second subset of apertures.
 2. The laser target of claim 1, wherein the first subset of apertures are aligned with a target line.
 3. The laser target of claim 2, wherein the target line is vertical.
 4. The laser target of claim 2, the plurality of apertures comprising a plurality of pairs of apertures, wherein each of the pairs of apertures comprises a target aperture selected from the first subset of apertures and an offset aperture selected from the second subset of apertures, the plurality of pairs comprising: a first pair of apertures, wherein the offset aperture of the first pair of apertures is a first horizontal distance from the target line; and a second pair of apertures, wherein the offset aperture of the second pair of apertures is the first horizontal distance from the target line, wherein the offset apertures of the first pair of apertures is above the offset apertures of the second pair of apertures.
 5. The laser target of claim 4, wherein the offset aperture of the first pair of apertures is vertically aligned with the offset aperture of the second pair of apertures.
 6. The laser target of claim 4, as a result of a vertical line of light being emitted at the target line: light received by the target aperture of the first pair of apertures is redirected and emitted by the offset aperture of the first pair of apertures; and light received by the target aperture of the second pair of apertures is redirected and emitted by the offset aperture of the second pair of apertures.
 7. The laser target of claim 2, the plurality of apertures comprising a plurality of pairs of apertures, wherein each of the pairs of apertures comprises a target aperture selected from the first subset of apertures and an offset aperture selected from the second subset of apertures, the plurality of pairs comprising: a first pair of apertures, wherein the offset aperture of the first pair of apertures is a first horizontal distance from the target line on a first side of the target line; and a second pair of apertures, wherein the offset aperture of the second pair of apertures is the first horizontal distance from the target line on a second side of the target line that is opposite the first side of the target line.
 8. A laser target comprising: a housing; a target zone defined by the housing; an indicator zone defined by the housing, wherein the indicator zone is distinct from the target zone; and an optical-signal carrying medium that provides optical communication between the target zone and the indicator zone.
 9. The laser target of claim 8, wherein the housing defines a target aperture within the target zone and an indicator aperture within the indicator zone, and wherein light received by the target aperture is directed by the optical-signal carrying medium to the indicator aperture, and wherein light received by the indicator aperture is directed by the optical-signal carrying medium to the target aperture.
 10. The laser target of claim 8, wherein the optical-signal carrying medium comprises a first optical-signal carrying medium, the laser target further comprising a second optical-signal carrying medium, wherein: the housing defines a target aperture within the target zone; and the housing defines a first indicator aperture and a second indicator aperture both within the indicator zone, wherein light received by the target aperture is directed to the first indicator aperture by the first optical-signal carrying medium and to the second indicator aperture by the second optical-signal carrying medium.
 11. The laser target of claim 10, wherein the target aperture is a vertical slit.
 12. The laser target of claim 8, wherein the indicator zone comprises a first indicator zone on a first side of the target zone and a second indicator zone on a second side of the target zone that is opposite the first side.
 13. The laser target of claim 12, wherein the optical-signal carrying medium comprises a first optical-signal carrying medium, the laser target further comprising a second optical-signal carrying medium, wherein: the housing defines a target aperture within the target zone; the housing defines a first indicator aperture and a second indicator aperture, wherein the first indicator aperture is within the first indicator zone and wherein the second indicator aperture is within the second indicator zone, and wherein light received by the target aperture is directed to the first indicator aperture by the first optical-signal carrying medium and to the second indicator aperture by the second optical-signal carrying medium.
 14. The laser target of claim 8, wherein the housing defines a plurality of target apertures within the target zone, and wherein the plurality of target apertures are aligned with a vertical target line.
 15. A laser target comprising: a housing; a front surface defined by the housing; a low reflective portion of the front surface; a high reflective portion of the front surface, wherein the high reflective portion has a reflectivity that is greater than the low reflective portion, wherein the high reflective portion comprises a target portion and an indicator portion, and wherein the indicator portion extends away from the target portion.
 16. The laser target of claim 15, wherein the indicator portion of the high reflective portion comprises a left-indicator portion on a first side of the target portion, and a right-indicator portion on a second side of the target portion opposite the first side.
 17. The laser target of claim 16, wherein the target portion of the high reflective portion comprises a vertical line.
 18. The laser target of claim 15, wherein the indicator portion of the high reflective portion comprises a left-indicator portion on a first side of the target portion, and a right-indicator portion on a second side of the target portion opposite the first side, and wherein the target portion of the high reflective portion defines a vertical line, and wherein the high reflective portion comprises a plurality of segments that collectively define the left-indicator portion and the right-indicator portion, and wherein the plurality of segments extend away from the vertical line at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees.
 19. The laser target of claim 18, wherein each segment of the plurality of segments is symmetrical to a corresponding segment of the plurality of segments with respect to the vertical line.
 20. The laser target of claim 18, wherein the target portion of the high reflective portion defines a vertical line, wherein the left-indicator portion comprises two segments that extend away from the vertical line at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, and wherein the right-indicator portion comprises two segments that extend away from the vertical line at an angle between 10 degrees and 80 degrees. 